Compiled by Mariel Carlson (she/her/hers), Graduate Assistant and Ariana King (she/her/hers), Graduate Assistant

We have just wrapped up week 7! Since February, the legislature has predicted a budget surplus of $9.3 billion, an improvement since the initial prediction in November 2021. Additionally, Minnesota agency Foster Advocates, supported by partner agencies such as Safe Passage and NAMI, introduced a bill (HF3211) requesting SSI benefits for foster youth, which we detail more below. Since the passage of anti-trans legislation in Texas, the Children’s Bureau has released guidance for child welfare professionals on gender-affirming care and last Friday, a Texas state district judge temporarily blocked a directive by Gov. Greg Abbott to have state authorities investigate gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth as child abuse.Please follow CASCW’s curated bill tracking account on the Minnesota State Legislature website to keep tabs on what’s happening specifically related to child welfare. Go to their website to find information on House and Senate hearings (all streamed virtually).

Bills of Interest

Foster Children SSI Benefits Trust

HF3211 / SF3955 (Rep. Pinto (DFL) and Sen. Fateh (DFL))

This bill modifies current policy surrounding agencies responsible for children in foster care receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits on their behalf. Under this legislation, agencies will be required to apply to be payee for children and deposit the SSI funds in a trust for foster care children.

This bill was introduced in the House on 02/10/22 and referred to the Human Services and Finance Policy Committee, this bill will be heard on 03/15 at 10:30am.

In the Senate, it will be introduced on 03/14 and referred to the Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Committee.

Modifications in Foster Facilities

SF2604 (Rep. Keeler and Sen. Dibble)
This bill changes the requirements and procedures for what happens when a child with a disability experiences a change of placement while in foster care. A district is the definition of legal residence for a child in foster care, and the child’s resident district must be notified when a change of placement puts a child in a new district.

The bill was first introduced in the Senate on 1/31/22 and referred to the Education Finance and Policy Committee. On 2/3 Rep. Pratt (R) and Rep. Clausen (DFL) were added as authors.

Parents Bill of Rights

HF3444 / SF3064 [Rep. Gruenhagen (R) and Sen. Mathews (R)]

The Parent’s Bill of Rights aims to prevent the state infringing on the fundamental rights of parents to choose their child’s upbringing, education, and physical and mental health care.

he bill was introduced in the House on 2/14/22 and referred to the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. Rep. Robbins (R) was added as an author on 2/24/22, and Rep. Boe (R) was added as an author on 3/3/22. The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Human Services Reform Finance and Policy committee on 2/10/22.

State Board of Appellate Counsel for Parents established

HF3135 [Rep. Becker-Finn (DFL)]

This bill proposes establishing a State Board of Appellate Counsel for Parents to give parents legal representation in juvenile court proceedings when they cannot otherwise afford legal representation.

The bill was introduced on 2/3/22 and referred to the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law committee. Bill HF3135 will be heard in the committee on 03/15/22 and can be viewed virtually.

Child Welfare Provisions Amended

HF3380 / SF3350 [Rep. Hanson (DFL) and Sen. Matthews (R)]

This bill modifies the responsibilities of the courts and social service agencies throughout the entirety of out-of-home placements and permanency cases. Additionally, it states reasonable efforts must be made to prevent out-of-home placement in the first place, requires individualized placement plans and services, and emphasizes placement with relatives, important friends, or kin for either initial or permanent placement.

The bill was introduced in the House on 2/14/22 and referred to the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. Rep. Fischer (DFL) was added as an author on 2/24/22. On 02/28 the bill was to be adopted and re-referred to the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law committee, HF3380 will be heard on 03/17 at 8:30am.

In the Senate, the bill was first introduced on 2/21/22 and referred to the Civil Law and Data Practices Policy committee. On 2/24/22, Sen. Bigham (DFL) was added as an author.

Permitting Emancipated Minors to Harassment Restraining Orders

HF 2665 [Rep. Hollins (DFL)]

This bill allows emancipated minors to seek restraining orders, if the court deems them at a level of maturity that it would be in the minor’s best interests. It also allows adults ages 25 or older to seek a restraining order on behalf of an emancipated minor.

This bill was heard in the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law committee on 03/03/22, adopted as amended, and a second reading was held on 03/07 and is now on the House General Register.

Funding Children's Crisis Homes

HF4021/SF 3651 [Rep. Boldon (DFL) and Sen. Senjem (R) Sen. Duckworth (R)]

This bill establishes residential treatment admission requirements and funding for children’s mental health crisis homes. This bill would allow Medicaid funding to be used to provide crisis services for up to 30 days in a children’s residential treatment facility or shelter facility. There would be no requirement to go through the county.

This bill was referred to the Committee on Human Services Finance and Policy and then referred by Chair to Behavioral Health Policy Division.

Brief Updates

  • HF3159 – On 02/28 it was adopted as amended and referred to Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee. Bill HF3159 will be heard on 03/15 at 8:30am.
  • HF3661 – heard in the Human Services and Finance Policy Committee on 03/10.
  • SF3263 – heard in the Human Services and Finance Policy Committee on 03/10 and laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill.

Important Timelines to keep in mind

  • Friday, March 25 – Committees must act favorably on bills in the house of origin
  • Friday, April 1 – Committees must act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other body
  • Friday, April 8 – Committees must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills
  • April 9-18 – Legislative Break
  • Monday, May 23 – Last day of session

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned for more legislative updates as we gather information and track what’s happening at the Capitol.